Hollywood's Greuel checkbooks kicking into gear

Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen have contributed $150,000 to the so-called independent expenditure committee that's planning ads on behalf of mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel. She used to work with the trio at Dreamworks, before she was elected to the City Council and then to the office of city controller. The next biggest Hollywood contributors to the Greuel PAC have been Jim Gianopulos ($15,000), Frank Marshall ($12,500) and Kathleen Kennedy (also $12,500), according to Tina Daunt at the Hollywood Reporter. Stanley Gold, Judd Apatow and Norman Lear have also made contributions, says Ted Johnson at Variety's politics blog.

Big Hollywood and Democratic Party player Haim Saban will host a Feb. 20 fundraiser for Greuel at his Beverly Hills mansion. Sen. Barbara Boxer will headline the event, says THR.

The Saban fundraiser, which is expected to raise $200,000 at the media mogul's palatial Beverly Hills compound, also lists among its sponsors and hosts political strategist Noah Mamet and long-time Hollywood political activists Carol Biondi, Patricia Glaser and Peg Yorkin. Suggested contributions range from $10,000 to just $250. A second industry fundraiser is scheduled for Feb. 25 at UTA board member Jay Sures' Brentwood home.

There was a Greuel fundraiser held Monday at SoHo House in West Hollywood.

More Campaign 2013 news:

Greuel’s campaign on Tuesday accused rival Eric Garcetti of overdeveloping Hollywood, saying the councilman has brought skyscrapers, traffic and worsening air quality to the neighborhood. DN/Smith

Actor Will Ferrell does a three-minute endorsement video of Garcetti, like Salma Hayek did previously. YouTube

Garcetti Makes A Play For Growing Latino Vote, But Turnout Is A Challenge LA Weekly/Maddaus

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has donated $1 million to help preserve a Los Angeles Board of Education majority that has pushed for several controversial efforts dealing with teachers — including remaking evaluations and speeding the dismissal process — that are supported by the L.A. mayor and the superintendent. LAT, DN

The LA Times' Jean Merl profiles Emanuel Pleitez and his longshot run for mayor. LAT